WELIVE FOUNDATION

Rethinking 18…

When You Turned 18, What Was on Your Mind?

Was it your college plans? A new job? Your first solo trip? Maybe you were nervous or maybe excited. But chances are you weren’t thinking about where you’d sleep that night. Now imagine turning 18… and being told to leave your home, with nowhere to go. No backup, no family and no idea how to handle the real world. This is the reality for thousands of young people in India aging out of institutional care.

India has over 30 million orphaned or abandoned children. Many grow up in childcare institutions, receiving food, shelter, and schooling. But when they turn 18, the support ends. Legally, they must leave. With no savings, no support system, and little preparation, they’re left to navigate life alone, often ending up homeless or in crisis.

That’s where WeLive Foundation steps in. Founded in Bangalore, WeLive offers something most care leavers never get: a structured path into adulthood.

Their programs provide:

  • Safe housing
  • Life skills and financial literacy
  • Career training and mentorship
  • Mental health support and crisis care

 

Because adulthood isn’t just about turning 18; it’s about being ready to live independently and with dignity. In 2019, Ananth Padmanabhan, then a childcare institution warden, saw three boys preparing to leave completely alone. He welcomed them into his home, offering short-term support.
That decision grew into a mission. Together with Ramya, and a small team of committed changemakers, he co-founded WeLive Foundation; a place where care leavers build skills, confidence, and community.

Since then, WeLive has reached over 200+ care leavers across states like Karnataka, Delhi, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. They’re not just surviving; they’re finishing college, holding jobs, cooking their own meals, managing money, and reclaiming control over their lives. Let’s rethink what 18 means! Turning 18 should never mean being forgotten.

It should mean being seen, supported, and set up to succeed. Your support helps make that happen.

Join the movement. Help care leavers build a future with safety, stability, and self-worth.

About Our Hero

Mr. Anant Gangola (Founder)

Anant Gangola comes with 30 years of extensive experience spread across school education, higher education and adult literacy. 15 years of this was in Azim Premji Foundation leading field institutions in Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and he was also the head of the field practice segment of Azim Premji University. Prior to this, Anant worked with the Government of Madhya Pradesh and was the key coordinator for highly impactful DPEP, SSA, TLC projects. When he started his career, Anant spent close to 3 years living, teaching and learning in a Gond tribal community in Madhya Pradesh and the association is still alive to this day. Scores of young people in the social sector have been mentored by him and he continues to guide and encourage us at WeLive Foundation.

 

Ms. Ramya Sundararajan (CEO)

Ramya is the Chief Executive Officer at WeLive foundation and has been a part of the team from the program inception stage. Her association with WeLive has been extremely meaningful with her working as head of programs for 2 years before assuming her current role.
She is a certified english language trainer who is associated with the Azim Premji University as part-time faculty for their English language support centre. With a postgraduate degree in management, Ramya is a professional storyteller who takes great joy in her interactions with children and young people. Her capacity to put in the work to make dreams a reality combined with her fierce commitment to the cause makes her a valuable resource for WeLive.

 

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